Khamzat Chimaev has officially signed a contract with the RAF wrestling league, expanding his combat sports portfolio beyond MMA. The announcement confirms that the UFC middleweight contender will compete in wrestling matches under the RAF banner. No specific opponents or debut date were mentioned in the announcement. The signing adds another high-profile name to RAF's roster as the wrestling organization continues to attract MMA fighters. Chimaev's strong wrestling background makes him a natural fit for the competition format.
Khamzat Chimaev has officially signed a contract with the RAF wrestling league, adding a new competitive venture to his career alongside his ongoing run as one of the UFC's most dangerous middleweights.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," carries a 15-1-0 professional MMA record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, with a top-ten placement on the pound-for-pound list. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, has long been regarded as one of the sport's elite wrestling-based fighters. His numbers back that reputation: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, a combination that has made him a nightmare matchup at 185 pounds. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he brings both the physical tools and technical credentials that make the transition to a dedicated wrestling format a natural one.
The RAF announcement confirmed the signing but did not reveal a debut date or any specific opponents Chimaev is expected to face under the banner. The organization has been actively recruiting MMA talent, and adding the top-ranked UFC middleweight contender represents a significant addition to its roster.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite takedown volume — among the highest in the UFC middleweight division — makes him a credible and marketable signing for a wrestling-focused promotion.
- The move signals growing crossover interest between MMA organizations and wrestling leagues looking to raise their profiles.
- His UFC ranking and pound-for-pound status ensure the signing draws attention well beyond traditional wrestling audiences.
